International Tropical Timber Council

About International Tropical Timber Council

• It is the governing body of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).
• It meets at least once a year to discuss a wide-ranging agenda aimed at promoting sustainable tropical forest management and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber.

Major decisions in 59^th ITTC

• The countries agreed to endorse eight projects related to sustainable forest management and related objectives.
• The session also approved and adopted a budget of $7.1 million for the coming financial year 2024-25.
• The council also approved a trial measure that will allow ineligible members to submit project proposals and concept notes.
• Members who have fallen behind on their financial contributions and are thus ineligible will be allowed to submit one project and concept note for every two years of arrears paid. 

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Key facts about International Tropical Timber Organisation

• It is an intergovernmental organization promoting the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests and the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests.
• It was established under the International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983 (ITTA 1983), negotiated under the auspices of the UN Conference on Trade and Development. 
• It facilitates funding for forestry projects in tropical timber producing countries.
• All projects are funded by voluntary contributions from governments.
• Members: 75 countries (including India)
• Its members manage about 80 per cent of the world’s tropical forests and are responsible for 90 per cent of the global tropical timber trade.
• Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan

Q1) What is the United Nations?

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN and its work are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

Source: International Tropical Timber Council concludes with major decisions, including its extension